CNS Annual Report 2005-06 - Clean Nova Scotia

ANNUAL REPORT

July 1, 2005 – June 30, 2006

CLEAN AIR

CLEAN LAND

CLEAN WATER

CLEAN ENERGY

CLEAN BILL OF HEALTH

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2 CLEAN NOVA SCOTIA ANNUAL REPORT 2006

FOREWORD

There is a saying that “change is good” and I trust that this is the case with Clean Nova Scotia, for this has been a year of considerable change

for our organization. The hiring of new Executive Director, Judy McMullen, after an extensive search process with numerous excellent candidates, was certainly key among them. Judy has already ably demonstrated many of her excellent skills and I want to thank her and all of the very capable and dedicated Clean Nova Scotia staff for their great work over the past year.

The breadth of this work has become even more clear to me now that I am in the role of Board Chair. You can see the range of the programs, from the Great Nova Scotia Pick-Me-Up to Towards a Brighter Future to Quagmire, for yourself in the pages that follow.

In terms of programming changes that have occurred during this past year, one was the opening of the Youth Environmental Society (YES) office in Preston (see page 5). We have also expanded our reach to New Glasgow, where we now have a staff person liaising with the town. Besides this, we have forged other new partnerships, for example with Human Resources Development Canada, who have a number of interns who helped us build capacity at Clean Nova Scotia.

Environment Week has been a focal point for years for Clean Nova Scotia in our efforts to raise awareness about the environment. This year there were a number of changes to events such as the addition of the Dirty Sock and Fish With Flare contests and a renewed, Latin-flavoured Gala—Gala Ambiente (Spanish for environment).

It would be remiss of me not to mention the “changed”—that is, re-named, reformatted and enlivened Clean Nova Scotia newsletter—Clean and Green, which is now delivered electronically to reduce waste. If you haven’t seen it, go to our website [www.clean.ns.ca] and take a look at this colourful, informative and engaging newsletter.

The positive aspects of some changes can sometimes take a longer time to present themselves, and we hope that this is merely the case in regards to the termination of the EnerGuide for Homes program by the federal government. Recent reports are encouraging and suggest that the latter will be picked up by the provincial government.* Furthermore it is our hope that with a “made a Canada solution” regarding Kyoto that other climate change initiatives will be forthcoming from the federal government.

In closing I would like to acknowledge and thank my fellow Board members, in particular the Executive, for their contribution to the work of Clean Nova Scotia over the past year.

Andrew PatonChair, Board of Directors

* Please note: the EGH program was indeed renewed by the provincial government, in September, 2006.

Celebrating a Successful Year

Our Mission:

To work with Nova Scotians through education and action to achieve environmentally healthy communities.

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CLEAN NOVA SCOTIA ANNUAL REPORT 2006 3

Clean Nova Scotia is pleased to celebrate another successful year. We have pursued our mission, “to work with Nova Sco-tians through education and action to achieve environmentally

healthy communities,” with passion and vigour, and you can read in these pages how our accomplishments have inspired Nova Scotians to create positive environmental change. The 2005-2006 fiscal year saw many firsts: Clean Nova Scotia part-nered with the national TD Canada Trust Great Canadian Shoreline Clean-Up; we opened a satellite office in East Preston in conjunction with our Youth Environmental Society (YES) program; the first three is-sues of a new newsletter, Clean and Green, were produced; we staged our inaugural Clean Air Day Dirty Sock contest as part of a new focus on air quality; and we hosted our first-ever Latin-themed Gala, which was a stunning success. Our staff numbers grew through partnerships with HRSDC and Community Services, and membership doubled through a special Waste Reduction Week promotion. Despite setbacks in the form of funding cuts and elections, we have forged ahead and we enter 2006 with a strong raft of programs, a pro-fessional and enthusiastic staff, and a stable financial position. Our strategic areas of water, waste, energy and climate change, and health remain integral to our success. However, as we plan for the future, we anticipate extending our working areas to include air quality, forestry, and land use, among others. Clean Nova Scotia has come a long way in our nearly eighteen years of inspiring environmental change. Our vision for the next five years is to have Nova Scotia grow in conservation efforts, continue to lead the country in waste reduction, and develop new, innovative approaches to make our communities sustainable, environmentally healthy and vi-brant. We invite you to join us, through memberships, partnership, and participation.

Judy McMullen Executive Director

Moving Forward with Vision

FOREWORD

Our Core Values:Innovation We seek out

new ways of influencing environmental change

Environment All that we do considers the impact we have on the environment

Relationship Building Partnerships mean increased effectiveness

Respect As we educate and communicate, we respect the viewpoints of others

Excellence Is sought in strategy, execution, evaluation

Fun It is essential that we are passionate about what we do, enjoy it, and want to come to work

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Sponsors and Supporters

Volunteers • Jewel Caulier

• Joanna Webber

• Jennie Graham

• Michelle Ryan

• Vineeta Fralick

• Maya Budovitch• Shelly Armstrong• Shannon Warren• Poppy Riker• Cynthia Ouellet• Janice Ashworth• Minh Tan

• Cameron Deacoff

• Sue Gertridge

• Sue Waringer

• Derek Sarty

• Natalie MacLellan

• Betony Rowland

Over $20,000• Environment Canada • Eco-Action• NS Department of Energy• National Crime Prevention Strategy• Tim Hortons

$10,001-20,000• Nova Scotia Power• McConnell Foundation• Halifax Regional Municipality• NS Environment & Labour

$5,001-10,000• Natural Resources Canada• Vancouver Aquarium• Wal-Mart

Up to $5,000• Wilson Fuels• Clearwater• NS Transportation• Central Kings Community Health Board• Southeastern Community Health Board• TD Canada Trust Friends of the Environment Foundation• Mountain Equipment Co-op

In-Kind• Alderney Landing• Andre Wines• Andrew Duke• Andrew Langille Pottery• Atlantic Gardens• Atlantic Superstore—Portland St.• Avis• Bebbington Industries• Bedford Naturopath Clinic• Brier Island Lodge• Brier Island Tours • Bulk Barn• Casino Nova Scotia Hotel• Chronicle Herald• Clorox• Cole Harbour Fire Hall• Cozy Corner Saunas• Dalplex• Derek Sarty• Exxon Mobil• Farnell Packaging• Halifax Regional School Board• Home Grown Organic Foods• Inverness Fire Hall• Jeanne Aisthorpe Smith

• Jeff Domm• Joanne MacDougall• Liscombe Lodge• London Hair Design• Magnolia Farm• Margot Metcalfe• Mariner Tours• Mark Thibeault• Mexicala Rosa’s• Miya Turnbull• Mountain Equipment Co-op• Museum of Natural History• My Mechanic• Natural Path Wellness• Nestle• NS Department of Natural Resources• Nova Scotia Power• Nubody’s• O’Regan’s• Outside the Lines Bookstore• Peachtree and Finch Graphic Design• Pier 21• Planet Organic• Radical Leather and Suede• Razzamatazz• Sarah Morrison• Sean P. Roach, Photographer• Staples• Sue Waringer• TD Bank• The Clay Cafe• The Last Game Store• The Prince George Hotel• Trout Nova Scotia• Tupperware• Velocity Entertainment • Wal-Mart—Penhorn• Wilson Fuels• YMCA

Friends • Stephen Archibald• Ian Glass• Elizabeth Horlock• Metro United Way• MT&L• Nancy Norwood• RRFB• Mary & Peter Russell• Sunlife

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSBalance Sheet Year Ended June 30, 2006Assets 2006 2005CurrentCash and short-term investments $167,507 $31,866Accounts receivable 212,286 262,156HST and GST receivable 3,529 4,278Inventory Prepaid Expenses 14,894 8,540 $398,216 $306,840Equipment/vehicles/building 173,576 176,422 571,792 483,262

LiabilitiesCurrentAccounts payable & accrued liabilities 27,949 16,370Deferred Revenue 348,108 275,994 376,057 292,364

Net AssetsUnrestricted (2,841) (10,524)Investments in capital assets 173,576 176,422Program Development Fund 25,000 25,000 195,735 190,898 571,792 483,262

Statement of Revenues Expenditures Year Ended June 30, 2006Revenue 1,240,173 1,245,092Expenditures 1,235,336 1,244,411Net Revenue 4,837 681

Cash position beginning of year 31,866 110,320Cash position end of year 167,507 31,866

Statement of Investment in Capital AssetsBalance, beginning of year 176,422 186,724Purchase of Capital equipment 15,471 8,702Depreciation (18,317) (19,004)

Balance, end of year 173,576 176,422

ContributionsCNS has provided in-kind support to:• EECOM Conference 2006• NS Coastal Coalition• NS Youth Conservation Corps• NovaKnowledge Report Card

• North End Community Gardening Association• Halifax Sci-Tech Expo 2006• Eco-Kings Community Challenge • Sierra Club Community Challenge • HRM’s Reduced Idling program• ACAP-CB Community Challenge

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Children & Youth PACK (Planet Action Club for Kids) Quagmire Wetlands Decision Making Game Clean Nova Scotia Environmental Award YES (Youth Environmental Society)

As an organization of environmental educators, Clean Nova Scotia seeks ways to reach youth with a ho-listic approach to the environment, one that emphasizes individual responsibility and the importance of choice and action. Whether through classroom resources such as PACK and Quagmire, awards and a presence at science fairs, or through community action projects such as the YES office, Clean Nova Scotia seeks to inspire children and youth to make good environmental behaviours a habit.

Energy / Climate Change EnerGuide for Houses Home Energy Evaluations Enerinfo: Energy Efficiency Hotline Towards a Brighter Future Climate Change Centre One-Tonne Challenge A Bright Idea Clean Nova Scotia offers concrete and practical ways for Nova Scotians to improve energy efficiency and take action on climate change. Homeowners were encour-aged to invest in energy upgrades through the Ener-Guide program, while the One-Tonne Challenge offered ways to take action on climate change in small, digestible bits. The Enerinfo line responded to the myriad questions Nova Scotians have about energy efficiency, renewable and alternative energy, and rebate programs accessible to them. A Bright Idea traded on the public fascination with compact fluorescent lights to deliver One-Tonne Chal-lenge messages and encourage wise energy use. The Climate Change Centre sought to build net-works and partnerships to increase the effectiveness of climate change programming offered across the prov-ince, while serving as a central clearinghouse for climate change information. Towards a Brighter Future targeted school commu-nities to deliver the message of energy conservation and climate change, working with school staff, administra-tion, teachers and students.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Water Flush-less Septic System Homeowner Education Stream Restoration Dal Harm-Less Clean Nova Scotia continued to build our presence in water conservation and pollution prevention this year. As always, Clean Nova Scotia’s programs emphasized personal responsibility and individual action. Our programs offered homeowners assistance in caring for their septic system, information about their watershed, and took aim at pollutants entering Halifax Harbour by aiming to divert them at source, whether that be at the sink or through the streams that feed the Harbour.

Health Clean Air Day Dirty Sock Contest Summer Air Quality Tox-free HouseholdsClean Nova Scotia continues to make the public aware of the numerous important connections between good health and clean environment. Health and environment connections are empha-sized in the Tox-Free program, with the potential effects of toxic chemicals on the body. Also the One-Tonne Challenge served to underline the important connection between active transporta-tion, climate change, and health. Finally, our recent forays into air quality programming, Clean Air Day and the air quality issue of Planet Action newsletter, emphasized the correlation between smog, emissions, poor air quality, and such health problems as cancer, asthma and respiratory distress.

Waste Fish With Flare: World Oceans Day Art Contest

(see back cover) Great Nova Scotia Pick-Me-Up Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup Waste Reduction Week Clean Nova Scotia pays homage to our historical role in litter abatement and waste reduction with the successful continuation of Waste Reduction Week and the Great Nova Scotia Pick-Me-Up, which this year also partnered with the TD Canada Trust Great Ca-nadian Shoreline Clean Up. The World Oceans Day art contest, an adjunct to last year’s Gala and called “Funky Fish”, was expanded into a solo event this year with “Fish With Flare”.

Programs and activities undertaken by Clean Nova Scotia during 2005-06

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CNS Environmental Award

Clean Nova Scotia was pleased to sponsor the Clean Nova Scotia Environmental Award at the Halifax Sci-

Tech Expo 2006, held in the spring. The award was present-ed to Abeer Hasan, a grade 7 student from Bedford South School, for her project “The Fungus Among Us”. Abeer went on to win a silver medal in the earth and environmental sci-ences division of the Canada-Wide Science Fair.

Planet Action Club for Kids

In the 2005-06 school year, the Planet Action newsletter linked the

environmental topics of Insects, Air Quality and Oceans to curriculum outcomes for over 120 classes. With 11,287 issues distributed, PACK was received not only by elementary

classes, but also junior and high school classes, home schools, private schools, libraries and teacher resource centres. Sponsors for PACK this year were Mountain Equipment Co-op, Tim Hortons, Nova Scotia Environment and Labour, Environment Canada, and the TD Canada Trust Friends of the Environment Foundation. PACK was written and coordinated by Natalie MacLellan, with art provided by Sue Waringer and graphic design by Derek Sarty. Printing was undertaken by Transcontinental Halifax.

CHILDREN & YOUTH

Quagmire was revised and updated for the 2005-06 year, and 84 copies of the Green Street-approved role-playing

game were distributed across Canada. The Quagmire package includes background material, curriculum links, a lesson plan adapted for different schedules, and references for students, available in elementary and senior versions. Ci ressource est aussi disponible en francais. Natalie MacLellan was the 2005-2006 Coordinator for Quagmire, which received funding from the McConnell Foundation.

Quagmire

YES Preston!

The Youth Environmental Society office was set up to carry out Clean Nova Scotia’s environmental programs in East

Preston. A partnership with Nova Scotia Community Services allowed the office to be staffed with underemployed youth from the community. This partnership has helped youth who otherwise might not have developed an interest in the environment, to not just learn to passionately defend their right to a clean and environ-mentally healthy community, they have helped them develop employment experience and solid transferable skills. The YES office provides real buy-in from the community and has thus far carried out door-to-door surveys, community clean-ups, energy audit sign ups, and spearheaded the creation of a memorial garden in memory of two young men tragically killed in October 2005. Of the youth who have passed through the program, over 90% are now gainfully employed, including Deanglo, pictured above. The YES office has received support from the National Crime Prevention Strategy, the NS Department of Transportation and the Southeastern Community Health Board. Coordinator was Tina Kane, and office manager was Martina Izzard.

LOOKING AHEAD: CNS will explore potential for a Quagmire E-Learning project. 2006-07 will mark PACK’s 10 year an-niversary, and to celebrate, Clean Nova Scotia is re-invigorating the Planet Action Club for Kids with presentations and

activities. A project with the Restorative Justice society will be initiated allowing HRM youth in trouble with the law to serve community time working on large illegal dump clean ups and habitat restoration.

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ENERGY / CLIMATE CHANGE

Climate Change Centre & the One-Tonne Challenge

Highlights for the provin-cial climate change hub

this year included more en-ergy efficiency initiatives aimed at faith groups, out-

reach to youth and educators, and facilitation and support of other environmental non-governmental organizations. A second series of the Ecological Footprint of Churches workshops was held in February in conjunction with the NS Department of Energy. These workshops culminated in the Interfaith Symposium on Energy Efficiency in June, 2006, with over 30 congregations represented. The CCC participated in the Nature Zone series for the second year at the NS Museum of Natural History, offering the Climate Change Challenge to school groups from across the province. The Climate Change Centre worked with ENGOs includ-ing the Nova Scotia Environmental Network, Scientists in the Schools, and the Ecology Action Centre among others, to help them develop climate change programming and secure fund-ing. As well, the CCC assisted a theatre troupe in procuring funding for a climate change-related play. CCC staff completed the One-Tonne Challenge campaign, assisting community challenges in their efforts to reduce idling, encourage energy conservation and ensure green-house gas reduction. March 30th, 2006 marked the end of the six years of the CCC’s operation as a federally funded entity. The Nova Scotia Department of Energy stepped in with funding, enabling the CCC to continue operation with a revised mandate. Future areas of focus will be more project-based, and build on suc-cesses with prime target groups, faith groups and youth and educators. Staff for 2005-06 are pictured above: Charlene Boyce Young, Communications; Nadine MacKay, Coordinator; and, Daisy Kidston, Programs Coordinator.

Towards a Brighter Future

Towards a Brighter Future’s second phase took place in Halifax Regional School Board in 2005-06, and involved 10

schools in a community-wide educational effort to conserve energy as well as learn about climate change. Teachers, ad-ministrators, caretakers, and students all took part. Specific activities included a Natural Resources Dollars and $ense workshop for caretakers, plus full school assemblies, sessions for home and school associations, and student-led campaigns to promote wise energy-conserving behaviours. Schools were given curriculum materials and signs prompt-ing students and staff to conserve resources. Parents and the surrounding community were encour-aged to take part through the Family Power Contest, which awarded six video iPods to students, along with movie and book coupons. The grand prize was a $1500 energy efficient appliance, won by Lynn Countway, whose son, Logan, 8, was (coincidentally) the Burton Ettinger iPod winner. Nelson Whynder, Burton Ettinger, Mount Edward, West-mount, Beaverbank Kinsac, South Woodside, St. Catherine’s, JW MacLeod/Fleming Tower, Leslie Thomas and Duncan Mac-Millan were the participating schools. The program was funded by Environment Canada’s Eco-Action Fund, Nova Scotia Power, Nova Scotia Department of Energy and Natural Resources Canada. A third, expanded phase of the program will run in the Chignecto-Central Re-gional School Board and again in the HRSB in 2006-07. Cathy Trafford has coordinated the program for the last two years.

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ENERGY / CLIMATE CHANGE

Enerinfo Hotline

Clean Nova Scotia is pleased to operate the Energy Infor-mation hotline for the NS Department of Energy. In the

2005-06 year, we provided responses to 4253 inquiries, not including those calls forwarded from other staff. Topics refer-enced included energy efficiency, the Keep the Heat program, the woodstove rebate program, energy evaluations and the status of the EnerGuide for Houses program, alternative and renewable energy sources, and suggestions for other finan-cial assistance programs. Based solely on the calls received directly to the 1-800 number, the line averaged 16.5 calls per day, although the first few months in the time period were no-ticeably slower. The Enerinfo line was staffed by Tyler Field in conjunction with CNS’ EnerGuide advisor team.

LOOKING AHEAD: The Climate Change Centre is anticipated to go forward with funding provided by the NS Department of Energy, addressing tightly-focussed high-impact greenhouse gas reduction projects. Clean Nova Scotia’s Small Busi-

ness Energy Efficiency program will be starting up again in the fall, helping entrepreneurs identify the best ways to reduce energy costs and increase efficiency. Towards a Brighter Future will be focussing on a new set of schools in the Halifax Re-gional School Board as well as the Chignecto-Central School Board. The Enerinfo Line remains busy, and Clean Nova Scotia is contracted to offer the service for another two years. In the summer of 2006, CNS will travel to events across the province to “Get the Word Out” about energy efficiency and rebate incentives. EnerGuide for Houses is expected to return in the fall, most likely with provincial funding. The federal government has promised a made-in-Canada climate change plan to be released in the fall, so Clean Nova Scotia will continue to look for ways to support any initiatives with our innovative, proven environmental education skills and energy efficiency expertise.

EnerGuide for Houses

The 2005-06 year was incredibly successful for the EGH program. With four full-time Advisors, Clean Nova Scotia

performed 824 initial, or “A” home energy evaluations along with 179 follow-up, or “B” visits. Based on our recommenda-tions, homeowners reduced their energy consumption by an average of 34%. This translated into an average greenhouse gas reduction of over four tonnes per household. However, the momentum of the popular program was brought to an abrupt halt in May when the federal govern-ment cancelled the program. Efforts began immediately to negotiate a continuation with the provincial and / or federal governments. It is anticipated that some form of the Ener-Guide for Houses program will be up and running by Sep-tember of 2006. The EnerGuide service had been funded by Natural Resources Canada. EnerGuide advisors included Gary McKegney, Heather Takerer, Dave McCall, Donald Dodge, Jason Takerer, Steve Wentzell, Phil Thompson, and Josh McLean. Bookings were handled by Christine Reid.

Gary McKegney, EnerGuide advisor, sets up a demonstration blower door at the 2006 Nova Scotia Homebuilders’ Association Home Show.

A Bright Idea

The Eco-Kings Action Team hosted a One-Tonne Challenge Community Challenge in Kings County. On their behalf,

Clean Nova Scotia project coordinator Dave McCall travelled to retail outlets in Kings County, distributing 2214 compact fluorescent lights and distributing information about green-house gas reduction, the One-Tonne Challenge, and the Kings County Challenge.

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Flush-Less: Septic System Education for Homeowners

If used and maintained properly, septic systems provide a cost-effective, efficient, and environmentally-sound way to

treat household wastewater. However, lack of maintenance or improper usage can cause a septic system to fail, and this can be a source of myriad economic, health, and environmental concerns. What’s worse, as septic systems are located under-ground, it is difficult to know whether a system has failed until it is too late. Almost 50% of Nova Scotia residents rely on on-site septic systems to treat their household wastewater, and with system failure rates of up to 40% reported in some Nova Scotian com-munities, Clean Nova Scotia identified an opportunity to edu-cate homeowners in proper maintenance and care. Flush-Less debuted in 2004, and was previously delivered in Kingswood, Fall River, and Minesville. Phase III was carried out from May to December 2005 throughout the Municipality of Kings County. One hundred home visits were completed in this time. Flush-less met or exceeded objectives including convincing homeowners to switch to liquid laundry detergent, spread out laundry loads through the week, eliminate septic additives, have their sys-tem pumped, and test their well water for E. coli. In addition, 98 households had at least one water saving device installed, with an average of 3.4 devices per household. Flush-Less Phase III was funded or supported in-kind by Eco-Action, Nova Scotia Environment and Labour, Central Kings Community Health Board, the County of Kings and Bebbington Industries. Dave McCall was Clean Nova Scotia’s Flush-Less Coordinator.

WATER

Dal Harm-LessLiz Neuland and Betony Rowland, Dalhousie Marine Biol-

ogy students hired for the fall term of 2005, were chal-lenged to develop a meaningful program based on what mattered to them and their own experience. The health of Halifax Harbour was an issue dear to both, and the two stu-dents identified an opportunity to work with Dalhousie’s Safety Office to draw attention to the proper disposal of hazardous chemicals. The slogan for the program was “Think Before the Sink”. Mag-nets were distributed to the Dal labs, attaching to the metal sinks and reminding students and fac-ulty to employ proper disposal techniques. The project was funded by Halifax Regional Municipality and offered in conjunction with the Dal Safety Office.

Stream RestorationIn 2006, Damon Conrad, an environmental engineer, was

hired through a partnership with Human Resources and Skills Development Canada to develop a Stream Restora-tion program for Clean Nova Scotia. It was determined that, as clean up and treatment of Halifax Harbour continue, these conduits feeding the Harbour will increase in impor-tance. In light of accelerating development, protecting and restoring riparian areas will become ever more important. By the end of the fiscal year, applications for funding were being submitted.

LOOKING AHEAD: Flush-Less, either in its current form or in a revised version, has the potential to help homeowners across the province. The main components of Flush-Less may be folded into a new home visit program in the upcoming

fiscal year. We anticipate a future for the Stream Restoration program, working with local river or conservation associations and searching for other partners. We also anticipate some cross-over education opportunities, with an issue of PACK de-voted to water.

Affiliations & Memberships• Adopt-A-Highway Committee• Atlantic Council for International

Cooperation (ACIC)• Ecology Action Centre- TRAX• Friends of McNabs Island Society• Green Communities• GPI Atlantic Energy Accounts- Advisory

Committee

• CANET• GPI Sustainable Transportation

Committee• Halifax Chamber of Commerce Sub-

Committee on Renewable Energy• HRM Roundtable on Environment• Municipal GHG Reduction Project Steer-

ing Committee• Halifax Harbour Coalition

• Metropolitan Halifax Chamber of Commerce

• NS Assoc. of Waste Reduction Coordinators

• NS Environmental Network• NS Nature Trust• Our Healthy Schools Committee• Sackville Rivers Association• Tourism Industry Assoc. of NS

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SOLID WASTE

Clean Air Day Dirty Sock Contest

Clean Nova Scotia celebrated Clean Air Day, June 7, by hosting a Dirty Sock Contest at the NSCC Akerley Campus. Thirty par-

ticipants had socks pulled onto their car’s tailpipes while running their engines. The white socks clearly showed the particulate mat-ter entering the air, drawing attention to the importance of driving less, not idling, and maintaining vehicle engines. Extensive media coverage ensured that the message reached a far greater audience. Staff working on the event were Charlene Boyce Young, Danielle LaRamée, and Deborah Friedli. Support for the event was received from Nova Scotia Environment and Labour: Air Quality Branch and My Mechanic.

Tox-Free Households

Two Nova Scotia Youth Conservation Corps members, Trevor Marchand and Kaitlyn Ryan, delivered the Tox-Free Households

program in the summer of 2005, going door to door in the Lake Banook area of Dartmouth. They surveyed 150 households and did 75 follow-up calls, determining that their visits had made an impact on what items homeowners disposed of down the sink. The short time between the surveys and calls (two weeks) meant that few homeowners had replaced toxic cleaners, but most indicated on the follow-up survey that they intended to search for less toxic alternatives. The Tox-Free guide was well-received, and the free alternative product sample offered a good incentive for participating in the survey. In the spring of 2006, Robyn Brennan joined staff through a partnership with Human Resources and Skills Development Canada. She reviewed and revised the Tox-Free materials in preparation for the next summer delivery of the program. Tox Free was supported by the Government of Canada as well as by Bebbington Industries.

Robyn Brennan, above, promot-ing Tox-Free; and Danielle LaRamée, below, participates in the Dirty Sock Contest (even the CNS Toyota Echo produced some soot on its sock).

HEALTH

Summer Air Quality

Deborah Friedli joined CNS staff in June 2006 to develop and implement an air quality summer

program with the NS Youth Conservation Corps. At the close of the fiscal year, this program promises to engage Nova Scotians to take responsibility for their contribu-tions to air quality.

LOOKING AHEAD: Air quality will continue to grow as an important area of programming for Clean

Nova Scotia, with the delivery of the summer pro-gram to provide a foundation for more later. Tox-Free Households will be delivered in Eastern Passage by a new NSYCC crew. Links between health and the environment will continue to be fundamental in our program planning.

The staff of Clean Nova Scotia is committed to living our beliefs, knowing that to inspire environmental change we must, as Ghandi said, “Be the

change we want to see.” So not only do we have a green procurement policy, a solar panel that heats our water, and an in-house waste management sys-tem, each year, the staff participates in a major shoreline clean up. Last year’s was held at Conrad’s Beach, where staff and volunteers removed 10 bags of garbage and two bags of recyclables from 2 km of shoreline. Staff also participated with the Downtown Dartmouth Business Com-mission’s cleanup during the HRMakeover on June 7th, helping to remove 77 bags of garbage from the city core.

CNS STAFF: DOING OUR PART TO INSPIRE ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE

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WASTE

Waste Reduction Week (October 17-23)

WRW is a Canada-wide program encouraging schools, businesses and municipalities to reduce the amount of

waste they produce on a daily basis. Activities vary from prov-ince to province but Clean Nova Scotia is one of the most ac-tive organizations, bringing quality waste reduction programs to Nova Scotians of all ages. WRW’s presenting sponsor was Wal-Mart Canada, and Gold Sponsors were RRFB and NS Environment and Labour. Other WRW sponsors were Casino NS Hotel, The Halifax Her-ald, HRM, Liscombe Lodge and Tupperware.

Activities included: • Halloween Treat Bag Campaign, which, in partnership with

local Waste Reduction Coordinators, delivered reusable tote bags to 1660 grades 1-3 students at 16 schools, with a short presentation on waste reduction.

• The Just Between Families Contest tripled its numbers from 2004 with a total of 93 entries. Of the 261 adults and children participating, seven lucky families received Tupperware prize packages and Jeannie Hatt of Liverpool took home the Grand Prize of a weekend stay at Liscombe Lodge.

• The Minister’s Breakfast was hosted by the Casino Nova Scotia Hotel, which provided the room and breakfast. Min-ister Kerry Morash of the Department of Environment and Labour and special guest speaker Wayne Adams addressed a sold out crowd of 100 attendees.

• Small scale Community Swaps were held in Cole Harbour, Dartmouth and Inverness. These allowed community members to trade their unwanted items for new-to-them treasures. Young mothers collected baby blankets and clothes while others found useful home appliances and toys. Leftover items were donated to Big Brothers and Big Sisters, the Diabetes Association and the Salvation Army. The Community Swap was sponsored by the Halifax Re-gional Municipality.

• On October 20th, Environment and Labour Minister Kerry Morash read a Waste Reduction Week Resolution in the House of Assembly and all representatives were given their own reusable treat bag and information on WRW.

The Great Nova Scotia Pick-Me-Up

The Great Nova Scotia Pick-Me-Up (PMU) is a year-round initiative that runs from April to April. The 2005 PMU,

which wrapped in April 2006, was sponsored by Tim Hortons, RRFB, Farnell Packaging, HRM, Nova Scotia Environment and Labour, and Clorox. In total there were 393 clean ups with an estimated 23,486 participants from across the province. Of the registered groups, nearly 50% were listed as new partici-pants and two-thirds of the cleanups took place outside HRM. Individuals/families and schools were the top participants in 2005. Beverage cups, fast food packaging and cigarette waste were the top three items reported.

TD Canada Trust Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup Clean Nova Scotia joined the Vancouver Aquarium in fall 2005 to bring the GCSC to more Nova Scotians. The program’s similarity to the PMU offered a chance to raise participation levels and gain national recognition. The GCSC ran from Sep-tember 10 to 18th with 43 groups (about 1100 people) partici-pating province-wide, cleaning over 70 km of shoreline.

2006 PMU Launch The PMU launch for 2006 took place at Maynard Lake in Dartmouth on Earth Day, April 22nd, with the support of HRM Councillor, Gloria McClusky, and several dedicated volunteers. Nearly 100 people joined Program Coordinator Kari Riddell, helping clean 52 bags of garbage from around the lake. The focus for the 2006 PMU is cigarette waste. “Don’t be Nuts, Trash Your Butts” captured the attention of newspapers and television stations during our press conference on April 20th.

20 Minute HRMakeover Clean Nova Scotia partnered with HRM to deliver the first 20 Minute HRMakeover, a one-day litter cleanup designed to get everyone involved in keeping our city streets and parks clean. CNS registered each group and sent out the PMU cleanup kits and information provided by HRM. Nearly 7300 participants, mostly from schools and businesses, picked up 466 bags of garbage and 30 bags of recyclables on June 7th.

LOOKING AHEAD: Clean Nova Scotia continues to address the ongoing problems of litter and waste through our

flagship PMU and WRW programs. In 2006-07, we will of-fer a Quick Service Restaurant Waste Reduction program, working with fast food chains to assist them in meeting their waste diversion obligations. We will continue to seek out new innovative ways to encourage people to follow the four R’s: Rethink, Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.

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Board of DirectorsExecutive CommitteeAndrew J. Paton, ChairSean Foreman, Vice ChairBrenda MacDonald, Past ChairKim Wood, TreasurerCandace Stevenson, Member-At-Large

Other DirectorsMeinhard Doelle William HartBilly Joe MacLean Tim OliveEmile Roach Lorrie A. RobertsVirginia Soehl Ian Wilson

StaffJudy McMullen, Executive DirectorDebra Hawkins, Finance & Administration OfficerMaria Cain, Personnel & Program DirectorCharlene Boyce Young, Communications CoordinatorSteve Harder Robyn BrennanDamon Conrad Pam DugganFran Forget Tina KaneDaisy Kidston Danielle LaRaméeJosh McLean Dave McCallGary McKegney Kari RiddellJason Takerer Heather TakererCathy Trafford Phil ThompsonTyler Field Joanna WebberDonald Dodge Nadine MacKayNatalie MacLellan Christine ReidSteve Wentzell Trevor MarchardKaitlin Ryan Deborah FriedliPaul Lewis Rob McVicarMartina Izzard Steve MachatBetony Rowland Liz Neuland

Events and CommunicationsEventsWorld Oceans Day Art Contest: Fish with Flare

HRM students in grades 1-6 were invited to research, design and create a sea creature (formally attired) using materi-

als that would normally end up in a landfill. Pizza parties were awarded to Lori MacMicheal’s grade 4 class at Nelson Whynder Elementary (Lucy the Lobster) and Dominique Duchesne’s grade 5 class at Seaside Elementary (Marina the Fish). A recep-tion, sponsored by Clearwater, took place at the Museum of Natural History.

Gala Ambiente

On June 9, Clean Nova Scotia packed Pier 21’s Kenneth C. Rowe room with over 160 guests, dancing to the Cuban rhythms

of Alma Latina, mingling, feasting and celebrating. The red-hot themed silent auction and Brier Island Eco-Tourism Weekend Getaway Raffle completed the memorable Latin-themed eve-ning. At final count, the evening raised more than $6000, money which will assist us in delivering our flagship programming such as Planet Action Club for Kids, and support us in developing inno-vative new programs. The gala was sponsored by Wilsons, and supported by our corporate table sponsors and silent auction donors and buyers.

PublicationsClean & GreenOur new publication debuted in late 2005, with a mandate to offer digestible, informative articles in an engaging format. Distributed primarily electronically, subscription now stands at nearly 250. Members who provide email addresses receive the quarterly publica-tion automatically, and print copies can be requested by contacting our office.

www.clean.ns.caWe make every effort to keep our website updated and fresh, with information to assist members, funders, and the public. In late 2005, we upgraded our website management pack-age to allow better statistic tracking. From Jan.-June 2006, our home page received over 30,000 visitors. A closer look at the statistics reveals that our “About Us” and “Energy and Climate Change” sections were the most popular pages.

Media CoverageClean Nova Scotia has had an exemplary year for media cov-

erage. Among the media featuring stories on Clean Nova Scotia this year were News 95.7, CBC Radio One, CBC-TV, CTV’s Live at Five and Breakfast Television, Q104, the Business Journal, the Daily News as well as their Homes and Automotion supple-ments, the Chronicle Herald provincial and metro editions, CKTO-fm Truro, CJLS Yarmouth, Eastlink Television, K94/CJCB Cape Breton, the Cape Breton Post, the Dartmouth Burnside Weekly, the Halifax West Weekly, the Weather Network, AVR, the Oran, the Kentville Advertiser, the Coast, and the Dal Gazette. By keeping our work prominent in the minds of members, funders, and all Nova Scotians, we hope to further inspire envi-ronmental change.

Keep up-to-date on Clean Nova Scotia by visiting our website, and subscribe to Clean and Green at www.clean.ns.ca/candg.

Executive Director, Judy McMullen, Chair, Andrew Paton, Mark Hinam of Tim Hortons, and Board member Tim Olive smile for Herald reporter Peter Parsons at the Great NSPick-Me-Up press conference in April.

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CNS Annual Report 2005-06 - Clean Nova Scotia

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Transcript of CNS Annual Report 2005-06 - Clean Nova Scotia